SHILLONG, June 1: The Voice of the People Party (VPP) on Sunday reaffirmed its decision to stay away from the all-party committee formed to deliberate on the introduction of railways in Khasi-Jaintia Hills, rejecting the state government’s fresh invitation to participate.
“We appreciate the government’s efforts in trying to take us on board, and there is no doubt about it, but we see the futility of the exercise. So we are very clear on our decision, and request or re-request does not make any sense,” said VPP spokesperson Batskhem Myrboh.
Myrboh stressed that the party’s decision was neither spontaneous nor reversible. “When we take decisions, we are not fickle-minded. We take decisions with careful consideration, and once we are decided, we are not fickle to have a flip-flop on our decision,” he stated.
Suggesting an alternative course of action for the government, he said, “They should hold dialogues with those who are prominent in opposing railways in the state. Let them engage with them and if they succeed, well and good.”
The VPP had earlier opted out of the all-party committee constituted on April 2 by the state government. The panel was tasked with examining the feasibility of railway connectivity in Khasi-Jaintia Hills, conducting a cost-benefit analysis, and recommending appropriate measures for implementation. It includes members from all recognised and registered political parties in the state.
The VPP, however, maintains that discussions on implementing the Inner Line Permit (ILP) and other regulatory frameworks to address concerns over unchecked influx must take precedence over railway expansion. The party argues that without robust mechanisms to safeguard indigenous interests, any push for rail connectivity would only deepen anxieties among the local population.
